Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh offered transit and many other connectivity facilities to Bhutan, and is looking forward to implementing the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle

Agreement.

She thanked the Bhutanese government for passing the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement at its National Assembly.

About hydropower cooperation with Bhutan, Hasina said Bangladesh is hopeful that Bhutan's untapped hydroelectricity potential will help meet Bangladesh's growing energy needs.

‘India is also positively disposed about power sector cooperation with the BBIN Framework ... we should take advantage of this new spirit of cooperation for mutual benefit,’ she said.

Expressing satisfaction over the excellent bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Bhutan, Sheikh Hasina said Bhutan has a special place in the hearts of Bangladesh people.

Recalling the unequivocal support of the Bhutanese government and people to Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, she said Bhutan is the first country to recognise Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Referring to the existing excellent bilateral relations between Dhaka and Thimpu, the Bhutanese envoy said the bilateral ties have further deepened because of increased high-level visits of the delegations of the two countries.

Pointing out ratification of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement by the Bhutanese parliament, Sonam T Rabgye said, ‘Bhutan is keen to go ahead with the deal as it's a landlocked country.’

The Bhutanese ambassador thanked the Bangladesh government for allowing Bhutanese vessels to use Bangladesh's inland waterways and ports.

He recalled that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of the relations between the two countries.

The Bhutanese envoy congratulated the Bangladesh prime minister for winning ‘Planet 50-50 Champion’ and ‘Agent of Change Award’ for her outstanding contribution to women empowerment and male-female equality.